Diagnostics

Unlike the therapeutics’ market, where it can take up to 15 years and US$1billion to get a drug from discovery to the market, a diagnostic will usually take less than a third of that time and less than 10% of the cost.

“Before any drug can be developed as a therapeutic for a disease, one must have the ability to diagnose the disease to deliver increased patient care and outcomes.”

Laboratory-based diagnostic (in vitro diagnostics, IVDs) are extremely valuable in detecting illnesses at an early stage (both predisposition and onset). Such diagnostics, involve the analysis of patient samples that are tested outside the body (e.g. blood, urine, saliva and hair).

IVDs involve the use of:

• • proven biomarkers of disease or dysfunction onset, progression and/or recurrence; or

• • proteomic or genomic information to identify an individuals predisposition to specific diseases and the suitable of treatment regimens.

In 2003, the world IVD market was estimated to be US$23 billion. Experts believe that the sector will experience a dramatic boom between now and 2010 (see chart below). Analysts predict that the IVD market will experience rapid growth brought about by molecular diagnostic processes and an increasing trend toward decentralised and miniaturised diagnostic procedures. 

A recent White Paper, developed by the Biotechnology Industry Organisation in association with Burrill and Company, details the opportunties for the biotechnology sector in 2010 and beyond. Those companies with early diagnosis tests and associated intellectual property in particular are predicted to have major business opportunities in funding and product development.  

The strongest growth will be in the fields of diagnostics for oncology, infectious diseases, and cardiovascular diseases. The ultimate goal of any diagnostic is to provide doctors with an accurate and timely diagnosis of their patients’ condition(s), thus affording the opportunity for earlier and targeted intervention

Equity Net Research IVD Report 2003:

In Vitro Diagnostics Report Technology Road Map 2004, Centre for Economic Growth and the Lally School of Management and Technology.

HealthLinx has a unique market advantage in the development of IVDs with its core technology and multiplex immunoassay experience.

HealthLinx is poised to capitalise on this market opportunity through the development of non-invasive multimark diagnostics.